Raising the bar on what it means to be a hungry athlete, James Lewis shares his story on evolving from acute asthmatic to CrossFit athlete.
What is your story?
Growing up I was a severe asthmatic which prevented me from participating in sports for the majority of my life. As I grew older, I eventually grew out of the worst of it, but due to the fact of never being involved in organized sports I really knew little about working out.
Throughout my adult life, I found myself trying several workout regiments that would push me and give me the results mentally and physically I was seeking.
What brought you to Rhapsody?
This past summer I was at an event at Pancito & Lefty’s across from what is now Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston, and I noticed the ropes hanging from the ceiling. I decided to walk over to see what was going on.
Head Coach Alan Shaw was the first person I met. He told me that in a couple of weeks they would be opening and he offered me a free class to experience CrossFit.
Being a procrastinator I did not immediately follow up and put the idea of me working out again in the back of my mind. But Alan continued to reach out and I eventually got in the gym!
What have you gotten out of your experience with Rhapsody?
Since joining Rhapsody I’ve gained a new sense of what it means to push myself. I’ve felt supported in my athletic goals since the first day I came to the gym.
My trainer, Stan Tsoy, is great and definitely motivates me through words and actions on a weekly basis. Alan and the rest of the Rhapsody coaching team are just the bomb. The coaching is phenomenal! Not only do I want to workout all the time but now, with proper coaching, I actually know what to do when I go into a gym.
To the Rhapsody community, you are a prime example of what it means to be hungry – tell me about that drive to be better and what motivates you?
My motivation as a member of the Rhapsody community is to continue to work with goal-driven individuals who push themselves and those around them to be the best they can be.
I remain “hungry” because in the three short months I started, I was able to do things physically I’ve never been able to do before. I’m interested to see what type of gains the next 3 months and beyond will bring!
Join James and the rest of the Rhapsody community for a free class today!
